Have you ever tried to get someone you know into tea? I certainly have, and most of the time, it hasn’t worked. But, like many things in life, often it is when you stop trying that you can actually succeed.

Recently, I noticed that my brother was becoming more and more interested in my teas. I never tried to convince him to taste one of the new-fangled, bizarre teas I just acquired, or even just some of the basics. I knew he didn’t really drink any tea other than his standard black tea (usually Early Grey) with milk, and I assumed he wasn’t that interested in branching out. As it turns out, I was wrong. At first it was just one or two different black teas that he asked to try—the opening and closing of various tea tins, not to mention all the smells that drifted out of them, must have intrigued him. Then I convinced him to try some Japanese green tea, as I realised he had never tried good loose green tea before. Small wonder that he wasn’t such a fan! The verdict was positive, and while pure green tea is still not something he actively seeks out, he will now join me if I am making a pot, and happily slurp down a cup or two.

The next step, of course, was teawares, and so for his birthday I bought him his own loose tea making apparatus (no more excuses to use mine!). Now he is interested in picking out a tea or two of his own, and so this weekend we are going tea shopping together—pretty ideal quality time with a sibling, if you ask me!

It just goes to show that if you want to get someone you know into tea, sometimes all it takes is for the person in question to have their interest piqued, and to learn a little more about it. Rather than nagging them to try this tea or that tea, entice them with your range of mysterious teas and tea wares. Before long, they will start asking questions—the first sign of interest! And, once they know a bit more about the various types of tea, or why you prefer on over another, they will be a lot more likely to want to try a few to see if they agree.

So, I’d say that if you are looking to get someone into tea, be patient and go forth and share your tea knowledge!

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